We will try to implement what we have learned from Misbah, Younis: Sarfraz

Sarfraz Ahmed, the Test skipper of Pakistan, wants the team to follow footsteps of the legendary duo of Younis Khan and Misbah Ul Haq in the series against Sri Lanka.

“Talks about Misbah Ul Haq and Younis Khan’s absence is not a distraction for us,” told Sarfraz Ahmed during the press conference ahead of Pakistan’s first Test against Sri Lanka.

“There is no doubt that they performed consistently for the team, but we want to move forward by replicating what they used to do for the team,” he said. “We should follow what they advised us, we will try to implement what we have learned from them.”

Sarfraz also clarified that the two best batsmen of the team, Azhar Ali and Asad Shafiq will bat at one-down and at fourth position respectively.

On a question regarding bowling combination, the skipper did not reveal it and told that it is yet to be finalized as the pitch is still not ready.

“We have not decided yet that whether we should go with two pacers and two spinners or three pacers with one spinner,” he told. “The pitch is a bit green at the moment and they are yet to get it done.”

The Champions Trophy winning captain believes that both teams are young and exciting, he is expecting an exciting series ahead.

“Both the teams ranked 6th and 7th at the moment. It is a challenging series for both of us, we will go into the ground with a very young side, I hope we will perform well in the series, it is an important series for me as a captain,” he said.

Talking about his role as captain in all three formats of the game, he expressed that he is feeling extremely honoured.

“It is a proud moment for me,” he said. “Playing for Pakistan is alone an achievement, captaining the team in all three formats of the game is a huge honour. I am excited about the series.”

He also urged the Sri Lankan team to come and play in Pakistan as it is a safe country.

“Come and play in Pakistan, it is a very safe country,” Sarfraz gave Sri Lankan team a message. “We hosted World XI recently and it was a very successful tour,” he added.